Jennifer Lefebre – Play Therapy for Tweens and Teens: Strategies to Build Rapport, Invite Emotional Expression, and Navigate the Unique Challenges of this Developmental Stage

Jennifer Lefebre – Play Therapy for Tweens and Teens: Strategies to Build Rapport, Invite Emotional Expression, and Navigate the Unique Challenges of this Developmental StageDescriptionLiving in a developmental stage that is inherently confusing and chaotic, adolescents are vulnerable, unsure of themselves, and often guarded when it comes to trusting and relating to others. Most teens and tweens are not in therapy by choice, and typically are NOT interested in talking about their feelings or the issues adults have identified as “problems,” especially with a stranger.As a therapist, this presents a challenge for engaging teens and tweens who are clearly struggling but unwilling or unable to talk about it. At a time when adolescents and preteens need our help in navigating the multiple challenges of family, academic, and social life more than ever, the gap between clinical theory as taught in graduate school and real-life practice continues to widen.Play therapy offers a unique avenue for expression that honors these clients’ developmental level and gives language to their thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening manner. Through the power of play, you can help teens and tweens process their emotions, build self-regulation skills, improve distress tolerance, and discover themselves in a non-directive safe way.Watch trauma expert and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), Dr. Jennifer Lefebre, in this recording full of creative, effective play-based interventions that can easily be integrated into the work you are already doing.Using music, metaphors, art, movement, sandtrays and more, you can effectively treat many of the clinical issues these kids are facing, including:Depression and mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, OCDLow self-worth, identity development, self-injury, difficulty relating to othersImpulsivity and poor judgment, difficulty accepting responsibilityPressure related to social media, sexual activity, drug and alcohol useAnd MoreDiscover how play therapy will inspire and transform your work with tweens and teens!HandoutsManual – Play Therapy for Tweens and Teens (2.57 MB) 50 Pages Available after Purchase Instructions for ASHA Credit – SELF STUDY ONLY – 03/21/19 (38.5 KB) Available after PurchaseOutlineADVANCING ADOLESCENT TREATMENT WITH PLAY THERAPYWhy Play Therapy? What is It, and How is It Different with Teens and Tweens?Evidence supporting the benefits of play and creativity with this populationTherapeutic powers of playNeurobiology of play & impact on trauma and attachmentAvoid pitfalls when working with teens and tweensThe frustration factor ~ use of cognitive skills and languageUnderstand the difference between resistance, opposition and shut-downPlay-based assessments and icebreakers to increase engagementLimitations & potential risksFrom Client-Centered to CBT, a Myriad of Play Therapy Approaches as Applied to AdolescentsDevelopmental Play TherapyCognitive Behavioral Play TherapyAdlerian Play TherapyClient-centered Play Therapy​Theraplay®Play therapy with families and groupsADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT ~ TASKS, THEORIES & CHALLENGESPhysical, Cognitive, Moral, and Psychosocial Development Changes and Milestones of Tweens and TeensAutonomy from parents & familyRelationships, friendships & intimacyIdentity developmentMoral reasoning & physical and intellectual growthInfluences of Culture, Heredity, Environment and Social Setting on AdolescentsSocial media, television and movies, music, electronics…oh my!This is the world we live in…how it effects treatment and growthStriking a BalanceStructure & freedom and independence & connectionVerbal intellect & playfulness and creativityStrategies to teach caregivers how to play with their adolescents, and how to make these experiences part of their daily routinesPROVEN PLAY THERAPY TECHNIQUESEnjoy the Silence ~ How to Use Silence to Increase Engagement and Therapeutic RapportTry not to laughHide & seek & peek-a-booWhat might this be? What can this do??Walk this Way ~ Embodied Play Therapy and Movement Techniques to Increase Emotional and Behavioral RegulationThe floor is lava…The floor is quick sandMirror, mirrorTrauma-informed yogaWhat’s on Your Play List? ~ How to Use Music to Facilitate Therapeutic DiscussionTrashballsCatch the beatWhat are you listening to?Enter Sandman ~ The Use of Sandtrays to Facilitate Verbal and Nonverbal Expressions of Thoughts, Feelings and BehaviorsSafe PlaceFutureramaHalf & halfHow to Use Drawing, Paint, Clay, Masks, and More!FacultyJennifer Lefebre, Psy.D., RPT-SJennifer Lefebre, Psy.D., RPT-S, TCTSY-F, is a clinical psychologist, registered play therapist supervisor, and trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator. She is the president-elect for the New England Association for Play Therapy. Her clinical and research interests focus on the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, adults and families whose lives have been impacted by complex trauma. Dr. Lefebre has extensive experience working with young children (0-5), adult survivors of severe childhood abuse and neglect, first responders, and combat veterans.Dr. Lefebre is the clinical director at Healing the Child Within, a holistic trauma center in northwestern Connecticut which integrates psychotherapy, yoga, play, and expressive arts therapies into the treatment of complex trauma. She also provides clinical supervision and play therapy consultation throughout New England and online, and an adjunct faculty member at several universities, teaching both at the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition to being an experienced play therapist and professor, Dr. Lefebre is a sought-after expert for speaking engagements, podcasts and webinars on the topics of play therapy and complex childhood trauma.Speaker Disclosures: Financial: Jennifer Lefebre is in private practice. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.Non-financial: Jennifer Lefebre is a member of the Association of Play Therapy.